Skin Cancer Recurrence

Skin cancer occurs when the outer layers of the skin get affected by the malignant cells. The best way to prevent this cancer is to avoid sun exposure. The tumor does not tend to spread. There are various options available for treating this tumor. These include surgery, radiotherapy, topical immunotherapy and topical chemotherapy. Skin cancer recurrence generally depends upon the stage of the tumor, kind of treatment and recovery rate of the patient. A study done by American Cancer Institute states that there are 15 percent chances of recurrence of the tumor even after the treatment is performed.

Other preventive measures include:-

Avoid Smoking

Avoid consumption of tobacco products

Wear such clothes that can protect you against the sunlight

Apply sunscreen before going into the sunlight

The tumor in this cancer is divided into three types:-

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Malignant Cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of tumor that occurs mostly in the age group of 35 to 50 years. This tends to grow slowly and sometimes bleeding may be observed in the surrounding area.

Malignant cell carcinoma is considered as the most dangerous type of skin tumor. The size of this tumor is around 5 mm. If the symptoms of this tumor are not detected at early stages, it can cause further complications.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the tumor which causes burning sensation at the location. A mole or bump is observed at the area of location. These moles are red or pale yellow in color. This tumor is of minor type and so it can be cured easily.

Skin cancer recurrence is majorly observed in Squamous cell carcinoma. This recurrence generally happens in the same area where tumor had previously occurred. The possibilities of recurrence are there even if the surgery has been performed successfully. So if any changes are noted after the surgery, consultation of the physician is recommended. It is also very important to follow checkups and visits to the doctor even after the tumor has been treated. The main reason for the recurrence of this carcinoma is that surgery is the only techniques which are performed for removing this tumor. A research conducted by Orlando University shows that radiation therapy works best on treating this type of tumor. However throughout the world, Moh's Surgery is considered as the best type of surgery for treating this tumor.

Skin cancer recurrence is generally calculated on parameters such as:-

Diameter of the tumor

Structure of the tumor

Degree of severity

Amount of skin involved in the tumor

Follow up of the treatment

A recent research performed by Queensland Institute of Medical Research shows that consumption of spinach and other leafy vegetables reduce the risk of recurrence of the skin cancer. This is because green vegetables are rich sources of Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthisn. They also include other vitamins such as Vitamin A, E and C which are very responsible for keeping the skin healthy. Hence, the patients are often advised to consume variety of leafy vegetables on a daily basis.

Mt.Sinai School of Medicine, New York states that the possibilities of recurrence of this tumor increase as only one kind of treatment is performed to remove the tumor. The treatment for skin cancer should be a combination of different techniques. Surgery often combined with chemotherapy can guarantee successful removal of the tumor and the cancer cells from the body part and also reduces the chances of recurrence.

The main reason behind skin cancer recurrence is the poor prognosis of the disease. As this cancer is of a rare type, there is not enough information available to spread awareness regarding this disease. So people think that after the surgery is performed the treatment for this tumor is over as there are no scars and other signs visible. Sometimes, it is often seen that the patients discontinue the medicines after the surgery is performed. Hence, in order to prevent skin cancer recurrence, it is extremely important to do routine checkups and follow ups where the doctor examines the signs of recurrence by conducting several diagnosing tests. If any sign of recurrence is noticed, this tumor can be treated at the early stages and future complications can be avoided.